“Massive problem…” Jamie Carragher rips apart two Erik ten Hag Man United tactics

Jamie Carragher has ripped apart two of Erik ten Hag’s tactics after Manchester United lost 2-1 against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

After going unbeaten so far in 2024, Manchester United suffered their first loss of the year as Fulham grabbed a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

It was a performance that rightfully caused outrage among the fan base, with many feeling that United failed to kick into any gear until after they had conceded with 20 minutes of regulation to play.

Read More: Man United have ‘already made’ decision on sacking Erik ten Hag, speculates Gary Neville

Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday evening, Jamie Carragher ripped apart two of Ten Hag’s tactical issues, explaining that there is a problem between the defence and midfield.

“20 seconds into the game against Fulham – this already is the big problem they’ve got, and it’s been a problem for Manchester United all season – the space between the back four and the midfield,” he said.

He continued: “We go to the reason why they’re poor defensively and can’t cope with counterattacks.

“They’ve got no pace at the back and they have a lack of legs in midfield. Another big problem for them is when they’ve got the ball.”

Carragher then went on to analyse different players’ positions, saying: “These players can’t receive the ball in the positions they take up, so actually there is a massive problem for Manchester United when they’ve got the ball.

“How many times have we seen Manchester United players having to run 40 yards back towards their own goal?

He continued, highlighting players who are instructed to play too high up and have to make needless recover runs, showing a clip where a turn over in possession forces multiple players to sprint back towards André Onana’s goal.

“Look at the ones who are sprinting – Dalot, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Lindelöf – because they know they have to get back, and they are running 50, 60 yards, maybe five or six times a game… no wonder they get injuries.”